Well, yes; but it’s not just Staj. The claw marks are a visual reminder to everyone who sees him that he went toe to toe with the Great Tyrant Nicodemus, an unbeatable monster, a DRAGON for Pete’s sake… and not only survived, but won (with help). That’s past ‘cool’ and into both stunning accomplishment and major intimidation territories. Although I doubt Alex could put it into words like that. In fact, with a scantily clad nubile Elf maiden encircling him from behind, I’m surprised he can speak rationally at all at this point. Is he BLUSHING in those last three panels? If not, why isn’t he?